Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is managing what he describes as a “decrease leg factor,” however each he and the staff stay assured he will probably be able to play in Wednesday’s pivotal Recreation 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Chatting with reporters after Tuesday’s apply in Indianapolis, Haliburton downplayed issues about his well being, delivering a transparent message about his Recreation 3 availability.
“I’m wonderful. Actually only a decrease leg factor. Will in all probability go away it at that,” Haliburton stated. “I don’t assume there’s something extra to elaborate. I really feel wonderful, and I’ll be able to go for Recreation 3.”
Haliburton’s feedback got here after two days of hypothesis that adopted his noticeable limp as he exited the rostrum following Indiana’s Recreation 2 loss in Oklahoma Metropolis. That second raised issues about whether or not Indiana’s All-NBA guard was coping with a major harm at a important level within the collection.
Indiana Pacers Downplay Seen Limp
Whereas Haliburton’s postgame limp drew widespread consideration on social media and amongst nationwide retailers, the Pacers have persistently maintained that the harm is just not a significant concern.
On Tuesday, Haliburton participated absolutely in apply and was seen shifting nicely throughout the portion of the session open to media. Observers famous tape on the again of his left calf, however he confirmed no apparent limitations. Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Haliburton’s participation and emphasised that the staff expects him to play.
“He practiced, and he went by means of the whole lot,” Carlisle stated. “I do know he has some discomfort, he feels it, however every day, it’s getting higher. I don’t assume you’re going to listen to him making an enormous deal out of it.”
Carlisle additionally put the scenario in perspective, noting that few gamers are at full energy at this stage of the playoffs.
“At the moment of 12 months, I don’t know anyone’s feeling excellent,” he stated. “We’ve acquired a pair guys which are just below the climate, however I don’t assume something’s gonna preserve these guys from taking part in within the sport.”
That evaluation aligns with reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who stated throughout a Tuesday look on The Pat McAfee Present that Haliburton was “feeling loads higher” on Monday and that there was “no concern stage for his precise sport standing.”
Importantly, the Pacers haven’t listed Haliburton on their official harm report, a transparent indication that the staff views him as absolutely accessible heading into Recreation 3.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Function Essential as Finals Shift to Indiana
Haliburton’s well being will stay a central storyline because the collection strikes to Indianapolis, the place the Pacers will look to regain momentum with the collection tied 1-1.
In Recreation 1, Haliburton delivered a signature second, capping a livid fourth-quarter comeback with a game-winning jumper that sealed a dramatic 111-110 street win. He completed the night time with 14 factors and 10 rebounds, serving to Indiana overcome a late 15-point deficit.
Recreation 2 adopted a distinct script. The Thunder once more constructed an early lead, and Haliburton struggled to search out his rhythm within the first half, contributing simply three factors and three assists because the Pacers fell behind by 18 factors on the break. He completed with 17 factors, six assists, and 5 turnovers as Indiana dropped Recreation 2. After the loss, Haliburton acknowledged that his sluggish begins have been a problem.
“I believe I’ve had two actually poor first halves,” Haliburton stated. “I simply have to determine easy methods to be higher earlier in video games.”
The Pacers will want a robust efficiency from their flooring basic on Wednesday to grab again management of the collection. Haliburton’s capacity to provoke offense, management tempo, and generate scoring alternatives will probably be particularly very important towards an athletic and disruptive Thunder protection.
With Recreation 3 set for 8:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all indicators level to Haliburton taking part in his full function in what figures to be an important swing sport within the collection.
“I really feel wonderful and I’ll be able to go for Recreation 3,” Haliburton reiterated.
